Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (31,764)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = challenge-response

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
37 pages, 2537 KB  
Article
Bioactive PLA Filament with Antibacterial and Ion-Releasing Properties for Additive Manufacturing of Bone Scaffolds: QbD-Guided Development
by Anastassiya Khrustaleva, Azamat Yedrissov, Dmitriy Khrustalev, Ivan Chernykh, Aleksandr Samorodov, Saule Akhmetova, Artyom Savelyev, Marlen Kiikbayev, Polina Rusyaeva, Vladimir Kazantsev, Kristina Perepelitsyna and Sofiya Shapovalenko
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(9), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18091055 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The development of multifunctional biomaterials for bone regeneration remains a key challenge in additive manufacturing. Although polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in fused deposition modeling (FDM), its limited bioactivity and lack of intrinsic antibacterial functionality restrict its application in implantable constructs. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The development of multifunctional biomaterials for bone regeneration remains a key challenge in additive manufacturing. Although polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in fused deposition modeling (FDM), its limited bioactivity and lack of intrinsic antibacterial functionality restrict its application in implantable constructs. This study aimed to develop a PLA-based composite filament combining ion-mediated bioactive potential and local antibacterial functionality using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Methods: PLA-based composite filaments incorporating a mollusk shell-derived biogenic calcium-containing filler (20 wt.%) and gentamicin (5 wt.%) were fabricated by solvent-free melt extrusion. A QbD framework was applied to define the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP), identify critical quality attributes (CQAs), and assess critical material attributes (CMAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs). The material was characterized by SEM–EDS combined with ImageJ-based quantitative image analysis, TGA/DSC, mechanical testing, ICP-AES analysis of aqueous extracts, agar diffusion antibacterial assays, FDM printability assessment, and in vivo biocompatibility testing in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Results: The developed PLA–Gen–MS material was obtained as a continuous filament with a diameter of 1.75 ± 0.05 mm and was successfully used for FDM printing of model scaffold structures. SEM–EDS confirmed matrix continuity and distribution of the calcium-containing mineral phase. ICP-AES revealed a calcium-dominant multicomponent ion release profile, with Ca as the predominant element and measurable levels of Sr, Mg, P, Mn, and Fe. TGA/DSC confirmed thermal compatibility of the components under melt-processing conditions. PLA–Gen–MS demonstrated antibacterial activity against all tested strains, with inhibition zones of approximately 20–21 mm. In vivo, the material showed a favorable preliminary tissue response compared with TiLOOP®, including faster reduction of inflammatory infiltration and absence of foreign body giant cells by day 14. Conclusions: The QbD-guided strategy enabled the development of a multifunctional PLA-based filament integrating melt processability, structural integrity, ion-mediated bioactive potential, antibacterial functionality, printability, and favorable preliminary biocompatibility. PLA–Gen–MS can be considered a promising platform for further development of personalized bioactive and antibacterial scaffold constructs for bone regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing and Devices)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 253 KB  
Review
Existential Films on Beauty, Community and Creativity: Exploring Ways of Integrating Mental Health Insights into the Theological Discussion on Loss and Grief
by Panayiotis Thoma
Religions 2026, 17(9), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17091007 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
It is commonly accepted by mental health professionals who work in the area of death and grief that both the help which communities may offer to the bereaved and creativity may prove decisive factors in their recovery after loss; the article aims to [...] Read more.
It is commonly accepted by mental health professionals who work in the area of death and grief that both the help which communities may offer to the bereaved and creativity may prove decisive factors in their recovery after loss; the article aims to introduce specific existential films to the discussion about the value of both. Communality and creativity are also key ecclesiological and theological concepts. They are integral parts of the life of ecclesiastical communities, which honor the memory of the dead and have a duty to stand by their mourning members. These concepts may therefore create a bridge between spirituality and psychology/psychiatry, encouraging church leaders and health professionals to cooperate in addressing the needs of the bereaved. In the above-described context, films like Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life (2011), Rachid Buchareb’s London River (2009) and the short animation film Lila (2014) by Carlos Lascano may become valuable resources. Firstly, for challenging questionable religious responses to death while also discovering beauty in natural and community life in spite of/through loss, as well as embracing the memory of the deceased through creativity. As the latter has been characterized by relevant bibliography in death studies as both a form of expressing grief and a therapeutic process, it is also a crucial calling for the faithful to remain creative in the image and likeness of their Creator. In the discussion of the films, these links between theological/spiritual and psychological/mental health perspectives are explored with regard to both preparing for death and responding to it through joint efforts or lessons at schools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links Between Psychology/Psychiatry and Religion)
38 pages, 3437 KB  
Article
A Simulation-Based Dynamic Path Planning Approach for Low-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Inspection Scenarios
by Changqi Yang, Hongjie Hu and Yi Ai
Drones 2026, 10(9), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10090644 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Traditional target-oriented task allocation and path planning methods often struggle to balance real-time responsiveness to dynamic task alterations with multi-UAV cooperative operations in complex urban environments under meteorological disturbances. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a dynamic path planning method for low-altitude [...] Read more.
Traditional target-oriented task allocation and path planning methods often struggle to balance real-time responsiveness to dynamic task alterations with multi-UAV cooperative operations in complex urban environments under meteorological disturbances. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a dynamic path planning method for low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) tailored for urban inspection missions. Integrating an improved Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) algorithm with a decoupled Soft Actor–Critic (SAC) and B-spline smoothing framework, the proposed approach optimizes upper-level task allocation and lower-level trajectory planning within a 3D joint meteorological-obstacle feasible region. For task scheduling, an improved DPSO algorithm embedded with a spatial topology guidance mechanism dynamically coordinates task flows governed by Poisson processes. effectively addressing the spatial blindness and fragmented route assignments typical of conventional discrete optimization. Concurrently, local trajectory replanning executes receding-horizon spatial exploration via SAC deep reinforcement learning, followed by B-spline refinement to strictly enforce UAV kinematic limits, systematically bridging continuous-space exploration with low-level flight compliance to overcome the kinematic infeasibility common in pure learning-based models. Validated through extensive Monte Carlo comparative simulations (N = 50) and further verified by a high-fidelity AirSim dynamic physics engine, the results demonstrate that: (1) The improved DPSO constrains the average response latency for high-priority emergency tasks to within 40 s even under 50 concurrent dynamic tasks. (2) The lower-level replanning achieves an average execution time of 3.60 ± 0.18 s and a path success rate of 95.8 ± 1.2%, in numerical tests, while maintaining a 96.2% kinematic feasibility rate under realistic rigid-body inertia and aerodynamic drag. While the current 3.60 s latency presents a potential bottleneck for millisecond-level dynamic emergency reactions, the developed framework offers a highly effective and safe closed-loop dynamic scheduling solution that lays a rigorous computational foundation for low-altitude urban inspections. Full article
60 pages, 7133 KB  
Review
Wound Healing Potential of Multifunctional Nanomaterials: Mechanism, Future Prospects, and Challenges
by Akshay Kumar, Devesh Kumar, Mohit Agrawal, Jaspreet Kaur, Mohit Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Neeraj Choudhary, Thakur Gurjeet Singh, Ankit Awasthi and Emad M. Abdallah
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(9), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18091054 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Wound healing is a dynamic and highly coordinated process that involves inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue maturation. The altered expression of important signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), [...] Read more.
Wound healing is a dynamic and highly coordinated process that involves inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue maturation. The altered expression of important signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Wnt/β-catenin, may be responsible for slower wound healing, chronic inflammation, excessive fibrosis, and impaired tissue regeneration. Multifunctional nanomaterials are a promising strategy for tuning these highly coordinated processes due to their tunable physicochemical properties, high surface area, and the ability to deliver cargo, as well as the integration of antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. The aim of current review is to summarize the potential of multifunctional nanomaterials to promote wound healing, with a focus on mechanisms of action and modulation of key cellular signaling pathways. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, searching for publications from 1996 to June 2026, and representative experimental, mechanistic, preclinical, and translational studies were critically evaluated. In this review, the authors discuss the role of nanomaterial properties, therapeutic payload, molecular targets, modulation of cellular signaling pathways, and regenerative effects. These platforms have been shown in in vitro and animal studies to influence inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, collagen remodeling, re-epithelialization, cellular proliferation, and migration. However, the modulation of these pathways are dose-responsive, time-dependent, and cell- and wound-stage-specific. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of nanomaterial-based wound care strategies, the available evidence remains predominantly preclinical, with relatively limited clinical data supporting their use in humans. Concerns regarding long-term toxicity, biodistribution, batch-to-batch reproducibility, sterilization, scalable manufacturing, regulatory approval, and commercial feasibility further challenge translation into clinical practice. Multifunctional nanomaterials may offer a promising approach for pathway-specific and multimodal wound management; however, comprehensive mechanistic studies, long-term safety and biodistribution assessments, and well-designed clinically relevant investigations are required to establish their efficacy, safety, and true translational potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Wound Healing)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 26226 KB  
Article
Shallow–Deep Mixed Ground Source Heat Pump System for Sustainable Heating and Cooling: From a Small-Size Experimental Study to Evaluation of Its Interaction with the Grid
by Chaohui Zhou, Rujie Liu, Haoran Cheng and Yongqiang Luo
Sustainability 2026, 18(17), 8707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18178707 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems contribute to sustainable building decarbonization while confronting two intertwined challenges: long-term ground thermal imbalance in shallow borefields and the requirement for coordinated operation between thermal systems and electrical grid dynamics. Hybrid shallow–deep borefield configurations have been proposed [...] Read more.
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems contribute to sustainable building decarbonization while confronting two intertwined challenges: long-term ground thermal imbalance in shallow borefields and the requirement for coordinated operation between thermal systems and electrical grid dynamics. Hybrid shallow–deep borefield configurations have been proposed to mitigate thermal imbalance for sustainable geothermal resource exploitation, yet their grid-interactive demand–response potential remains unexplored. Here, we develop a coupled thermal–electrical model for a shallow–deep mixed GSHP (SDBHE) system equipped with water-tank thermal storage, validated against scaled sand-tank experiments (3.5–8.3% error), and assess its year-round performance under time-of-use electricity tariffs for a 200,000 m2 residential district in cold-climate conditions. The SDBHE system reduces the required shallow borehole count by 28% and total drilling length by 22% compared with a shallow-only baseline, saving 11% on operational electricity costs over 10 years. Integrating water-tank thermal storage with a 50% load-shifting strategy yields an additional 10.9–11% cost reduction without degrading the system’s coefficient of performance. Under higher load-shifting ratios, the combined capital and operational savings reach 19–29%, with the optimal allocation assigning the incremental high-price-period load preferentially to deep boreholes (COP 6.29 versus 5.25 for shallow). These results demonstrate that integrating shallow and deep geothermal tiers with thermal storage enables both capital-efficient borefield design and economically viable demand-side grid participation. The findings are bound by the cold-climate residential context and the rule-based control scheme; field-scale validation and lifecycle cost analysis are needed to generalize the conclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ground Source Heat Pump and Renewable Energy Hybridization)
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 2372 KB  
Review
Biomass-Derived Nanoengineered Carbon Materials for Environmental Remediation and CO2 Valorization
by Kelvin Adrian Sanoja-Lopez, Claudia Espro and Viviana Bressi
Sustain. Chem. 2026, 7(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem7030047 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Biomass-derived nanoengineered carbon materials have emerged as key platforms in environmental technologies due to their high surface area, electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and sustainable synthetic route starting from renewable feedstock. This broad family comprises dimensionally nanoscale materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanofibers, [...] Read more.
Biomass-derived nanoengineered carbon materials have emerged as key platforms in environmental technologies due to their high surface area, electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and sustainable synthetic route starting from renewable feedstock. This broad family comprises dimensionally nanoscale materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanofibers, and graphene-based structures, as well as biochars, hydrochars, activated carbons, and related porous carbonaceous materials whose pore architecture, surface chemistry, or defects are deliberately engineered at the nanometer scale. Beyond their traditional role as passive supports, these materials can actively regulate adsorption phenomena, charge transport, and catalytic microenvironments through precise control of heteroatom doping, graphitic domains, and hierarchical porosity. Among current environmental priorities, carbon dioxide (CO2) management represents one of the most pressing challenges. Biomass-derived nanocarbons offer tunable adsorption sites for selective CO2 capture while simultaneously serving as active matrices for catalytic conversion. Tailored doped-carbon frameworks can stabilize key reaction intermediates, suppress competing pathways such as hydrogen evolution, and promote selective transformation into fuels and high-value chemicals. In addition, these materials are excellent hosts for atomically dispersed metals, dual-site catalysts, and semiconductor hybrids used in electrochemical and photocatalytic CO2 reduction. By combining renewable sourcing with nanoscale control of reactivity, carbon materials create a bridge between environmental remediation and carbon valorization. This review critically examines recent progress in biomass-derived nanoengineered carbon materials for integrated CO2 capture and conversion, with emphasis on structure-property-performance relationships, mechanistic roles, scalability, and sustainability. Particular attention is also devoted to catalytic conversion and electrochemical CO2 sensing, where carbon-based and hybrid interfaces enable the transduction of CO2 recognition into measurable electrical responses. These materials represent a promising yet underexplored pathway toward circular carbon management and the development of next-generation low-carbon chemical technologies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 9361 KB  
Article
An Uncertainty-Guided Evidential Deep Learning Framework for Reliability-Aware Multimodal Fusion in Cancer Prognosis
by Yalu Huang, Yushuai Yuan, Wenbin Ye and Wenlong Ming
Mathematics 2026, 14(17), 3059; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14173059 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: Reliability-aware integration of heterogeneous data sources remains a fundamental challenge in multimodal deep learning: prevailing fusion strategies assume uniform reliability across sources and instances, limiting their responsiveness to data-dependent trustworthiness. Methods: We introduce REM-Fuse (Reliability-aware Evidential Multimodal Fusion), an evidential deep learning [...] Read more.
Background: Reliability-aware integration of heterogeneous data sources remains a fundamental challenge in multimodal deep learning: prevailing fusion strategies assume uniform reliability across sources and instances, limiting their responsiveness to data-dependent trustworthiness. Methods: We introduce REM-Fuse (Reliability-aware Evidential Multimodal Fusion), an evidential deep learning (EDL) framework in which per-source Dirichlet uncertainty adaptively weights each source through dual-channel weighting, asymmetric cross-scale enhancement, and Dempster–Shafer-inspired evidence accumulation. As a case study for cancer prognosis, REM-Fuse integrates multi-scale histopathology (10×, 20×) and RNA-seq on TCGA-BRCA (n = 831) via five-fold cross-validation with subtype- and stage-stratified analyses. Results: REM-Fuse attained a concordance index of 0.715 and a 60-month time-dependent AUC of 0.729, indicating moderate discrimination and significant risk separation (log-rank p < 0.001). Adaptive source weights and per-patient uncertainty varied significantly across molecular subtypes (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.010 and p = 0.007), indicating patient-specific rather than fixed multimodal integration. Conclusions: REM-Fuse provides a compact reliability-aware fusion strategy for cancer prognosis, although external validation is needed before broader clinical or cross-cohort generalization. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3177 KB  
Article
Analysis on Thresholds of Safe Operating Zones for Offloading Hoses in FLNG Systems
by Zhicheng Liu, Ying Xie, Fanhao Meng, Chen An and Menglan Duan
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171570 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Despite the growing use of FLNG in offshore gas development, LNG hose safety during tandem offloading remains a critical challenge. Existing studies often analyze mooring dynamics and hose mechanics separately, lacking a unified framework that integrates multiple failure modes. This fragmented approach leads [...] Read more.
Despite the growing use of FLNG in offshore gas development, LNG hose safety during tandem offloading remains a critical challenge. Existing studies often analyze mooring dynamics and hose mechanics separately, lacking a unified framework that integrates multiple failure modes. This fragmented approach leads to unclear safety boundaries and inadequate risk control. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-parameter safe operating zone threshold method based on coupled dynamic analysis. First, a three-dimensional time-domain dynamic analysis model is developed using OrcaFlex, which integrates the floating bodies, hoses, and mooring system into a unified coupling framework based on hydrodynamic theory, simulating the dynamic response of the offloading system under combined wind, wave, and current actions. Second, tension, bending moment, and curvature are selected as safety evaluation parameters. These three parameters correspond to the core criteria of typical failure modes, namely axial overload failure, ultimate bending failure, and local joint failure, respectively. By comparing them with their allowable values, the safety status of the hose under various operating conditions is determined. Finally, a coupled safety threshold analysis method incorporating both “sea state return period” and “operational vessel distance” is proposed. The results indicate that, at a fixed vessel distance, the dynamic response of the hose increases significantly with worsening sea states. Tension satisfies the safety factor requirements under most sea conditions. However, the bending moment first exceeds the limit starting from the 5-year return period, making it the primary failure control indicator. Curvature exceeds the limit notably under the 50-year return period and beyond, becoming the main risk source under extreme sea states. The safe operational vessel distances under different sea states are also calculated, systematically revealing the response patterns and failure sequences of tension, curvature, and bending moment of the LNG hose under combined wind, wave, and current actions. Furthermore, by integrating safety margin calculations, an operational classification standard comprising a safe zone, a warning zone, and a danger zone is proposed, along with the upper limits of safe vessel distance and operational windows for each sea state. The threshold determination method established in this paper can provide effective engineering support for FLNG offloading operation planning, hose selection, and operational risk management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 4241 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes That Respond to GA3 Treatments During Early Cherry Fruit Development
by Edoardo Vignati, Lawrence Percival-Alwyn, Mario Caccamo, Jim M. Dunwell and Andrew J. Simkin
Agriculture 2026, 16(17), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16171819 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Cherry (Prunus avium) fruits contain a large seed, making processing of the fruit laborious and consumption by the consumer challenging. The exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3) has been shown to induce the development of seedless cherry fruits. Through transcriptomic analysis, [...] Read more.
Cherry (Prunus avium) fruits contain a large seed, making processing of the fruit laborious and consumption by the consumer challenging. The exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3) has been shown to induce the development of seedless cherry fruits. Through transcriptomic analysis, we identified putative orthologs of auxin response factor 7 (ARF7), auxin/indole-3-acetic acid 9 (AUX/IAA9), and repressor of GA-like 2 (DELLA-RGL2), which have previously been shown to promote seedless fruit development when downregulated. These genes have also been implicated in mediating crosstalk between the auxin and gibberellin signalling pathways during fruit development. We have shown that gibberellic acid acts as a trigger for fruit set and permits the normal formation of fruit up to a period of twenty-eight days. This work demonstrated that additional signals are required for the continued development of fully mature parthenocapic fruit in sweet cherry. We have identified candidate genes involved in seed development that represent an important step toward the genetic improvement of sweet cherry varieties. Our findings provide insight into potential targets for breeding programs aimed at developing seedless cherry varieties for commercial exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolism in Fruit and Floricultural Crops)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1754 KB  
Article
Navigating Dual AI Classrooms: TESOL Teachers’ Strategies to Reconcile Artificial Intelligence with Academic Integrity
by Abida Ayesha
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16091371 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has significantly transformed academic writing practices in higher education. While AI technologies offer potential support for language learners, they also raise concerns regarding academic integrity and the erosion of students’ critical thinking, particularly in [...] Read more.
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has significantly transformed academic writing practices in higher education. While AI technologies offer potential support for language learners, they also raise concerns regarding academic integrity and the erosion of students’ critical thinking, particularly in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classrooms where writing development and independent reasoning are core learning outcomes. This study explores Saudi TESOL teachers’ strategies for balancing AI use with academic integrity and critical thinking in Saudi higher education. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 EAP instructors at four Saudi universities. Data were analysed thematically to identify and interpret patterns of AI use and academic integrity challenges across participants’ responses. A tripartite framework integrating sociotechnical systems theory, academic integrity scholarship, and critical thinking pedagogy provides a theoretical lens for understanding teacher-mediated AI integration in TESOL contexts. Thematic findings revealed that teachers hold an optimistic yet cautious view of AI highlighting the critical role of guidance and reflection in AI-mediated environments. They employ an emergent, four-dimensional Connect–Guide–Reflect–Assess (CGRA) pedagogical framework to manage the tension between AI and integrity in language classrooms. They demand a shared responsibility between teachers and institutions through clear and consistent AI policies for curriculum, assessment and faculty professional development. This study contributes empirical, practitioner-generated evidence of how TESOL teachers in the Saudi context navigate AI in EAP classrooms. Grounded in participants’ accounts, the proposed CGRA framework offers language educators, curriculum designers, and institutional policymakers a replicable approach for navigating the AI era. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6316 KB  
Article
UV Curing of Biobased Electrically Conductive Coatings with Covalent Adaptable Network Properties
by Serena Greppi, Alberto Cellai, Rafael Turra Alarcon, Alejandro Cortés Fernández, Alberto Jiménez Suárez and Marco Sangermano
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2058; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172058 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
The development of sustainable coatings that combine reprocessability with active functionalities remains a central challenge for the composites sector. In this work, a healable, electrically conductive coating was formulated using epoxidized castor oil (ECO) as a bio-based matrix, dibutyl phosphate (DBP) as a [...] Read more.
The development of sustainable coatings that combine reprocessability with active functionalities remains a central challenge for the composites sector. In this work, a healable, electrically conductive coating was formulated using epoxidized castor oil (ECO) as a bio-based matrix, dibutyl phosphate (DBP) as a transesterification catalyst, and short recycled carbon fibres (RCFs, 2 mm in length) as a conductive filler at loadings of 10 and 20 phr. Formulations were UV-cured via cationic photopolymerization and characterized across the full liquid-to-solid processing chain. FT-IR and photo-DSC showed that increasing RCF content progressively reduced curing rate and conversion, an effect attributed to light scattering/absorption by the fibres and restricted chain mobility, although gel content remained above 98% in all cases. DMTA showed that RCF did significantly affect the glass transition temperature but markedly increased the rubbery storage modulus and apparent crosslink density, consistent with a physical reinforcement mechanism. Stress relaxation tests confirmed the dynamic bond exchange behaviour in all formulations, with the apparent activation energy decreasing from 112 kJ/mol for the neat resin to 33–34 kJ/mol upon RCF incorporation. This significant reduction suggests that the presence of RCF facilitates the bond-exchange process, potentially through interfacial interactions between the polymer network and the fibre surface. However, the specific molecular mechanism responsible for this effect cannot be established from the present data. Electrical conductivity peaked at 10 phr RCF (3.6 × 10−3 S/m), enabling measurable Joule heating, while the 20 phr formulation showed reduced conductivity linked to voids and lower conversion. Thermally triggered healing at 120 °C for 6 h restored mechanical integrity, which is higher than reference values, demonstrating the coating’s capacity for repeated repair through its dynamic covalent network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4746 KB  
Case Report
Acute Neurological Deterioration in a Child with Shunt-Dependent Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus: A Case Report
by Ahmad Kharoufeh, Riyam Aljorani, Mohammed Dalbah, Leen Gafar, Haidy Alzaghal, Malak Abedi, Mohmed Doukarli, Subhranshu Sekhar Kar, Rajani Dube, Mohamed Anas Patni and Hussein Eleimy
Children 2026, 13(9), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13091138 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a serious neurological sequela of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature infants and remains one of the leading indications for ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Evaluating possible VP shunt-related complications can be challenging because clinical manifestations are often nonspecific, neuroimaging [...] Read more.
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a serious neurological sequela of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature infants and remains one of the leading indications for ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Evaluating possible VP shunt-related complications can be challenging because clinical manifestations are often nonspecific, neuroimaging may initially appear unchanged, and microbiological cultures may remain negative. We report the case of a 19-month-old male born at 28 weeks’ gestation who developed Grade IV germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage with bilateral intraparenchymal extension, early periventricular cystic leukomalacia, and post-hemorrhagic communicating hydrocephalus requiring multiple cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures culminating in long-term VP shunt dependence. His medical history was notable for recurrent neonatal meningitis, secondary epilepsy with previous episodes of status epilepticus, secondary adrenal insufficiency, and severe global developmental delay. He presented with fever, recurrent coffee-ground vomiting, abdominal distension, progressive lethargy, reduced responsiveness, and localized erythematous swelling over the cranial VP shunt reservoir, raising concern for possible shunt-related pathology. During hospitalization, he deteriorated with status epilepticus and respiratory failure, with clinical concern for increased intracranial pressure, requiring admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Laboratory investigations demonstrated leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, markedly elevated CSF protein, and CSF glucose of 2.0 mmol/L, for which a paired serum glucose value was unavailable, while repeated blood, urine, wound, and CSF cultures remained negative. Initial computed tomography (CT) demonstrated no significant interval change in the chronic hydrocephalus despite progressive neurological deterioration; however, serial neuroimaging later revealed progressive bilateral extra-axial fluid collections with radiological features suggestive of an evolving subacute subdural hemorrhage. The patient was managed with empirical broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, aggressive seizure control, stress-dose corticosteroids, respiratory support, and continuous multidisciplinary monitoring. His neurological and respiratory status subsequently improved, and he returned to his pre-admission neurological baseline before discharge with planned further evaluation at a tertiary pediatric neurosurgical center. This case highlights the diagnostic uncertainty surrounding acute neurological deterioration in a child with shunt-dependent PHH. VP shunt-related infection or malfunction remained important but unconfirmed diagnostic considerations, alongside competing or potentially overlapping contributors including status epilepticus, evolving extra-axial collections, respiratory infection, and endocrine or metabolic decompensation. No single etiology was definitively established. The case emphasizes the importance of serial neurological assessment, consideration of alternative diagnoses, repeat neuroimaging, and multidisciplinary evaluation when initial investigations do not establish the cause of deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

39 pages, 3257 KB  
Review
LRRK2: Molecular Mechanisms in Parkinson’s Disease
by Oscar Arias-Carrión, Magdalena Guerra-Crespo, Daniel Ortuño-Sahagún and Emmanuel Ortega-Robles
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177606 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has emerged as a central molecular node linking genetic risk, membrane trafficking, lysosomal homeostasis, and immune signalling in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rather than functioning as a conventional protein kinase, LRRK2 operates as a conformationally regulated, Rab-directed [...] Read more.
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has emerged as a central molecular node linking genetic risk, membrane trafficking, lysosomal homeostasis, and immune signalling in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rather than functioning as a conventional protein kinase, LRRK2 operates as a conformationally regulated, Rab-directed signalling machine whose activity is governed by long-range interdomain communication, membrane recruitment, and cooperative interactions with small GTPases. Converging advances in cryo-electron microscopy, quantitative phosphoproteomics, and human genetics indicate that pathogenic mutations, lysosomal stress, and pharmacological inhibitors do not simply alter catalytic output, but reshape the conformational landscape of LRRK2, biasing it toward distinct structural states with divergent cellular consequences. A defining feature of this system is the selective phosphorylation of Rab GTPases at low stoichiometry—most prominently Rab8 and Rab10—yet with disproportionate functional impact on vesicle trafficking, ciliogenesis, autophagy, and organelle positioning. The identification of Rab-directed phosphatases, particularly PPM1H, further establishes that LRRK2 signalling is governed by a dynamically balanced kinase–phosphatase circuit operating in space and time. These observations, together with emerging evidence linking LRRK2 activation to lysosomal damage and immune pathways, support a unifying hypothesis: PD-associated LRRK2 dysfunction arises from maladaptive stabilization of specific conformational and spatial states within a membrane-responsive signalling network, leading to persistent misregulation of Rab-dependent trafficking and organelle homeostasis, rather than from kinase hyperactivity alone. In this review, we integrate structural, biochemical, and cellular evidence to advance this framework and discuss its implications for disease mechanisms and therapy. We highlight key unresolved challenges—including conformation-selective drug targeting, spatial control of Rab phosphorylation, and context-dependent immune–neuronal crosstalk—and propose that restoring physiological regulation of LRRK2, rather than simply inhibiting its activity, will be essential for achieving mechanism-based disease modification in Parkinson’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Neurodegeneration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 181 KB  
Case Report
The Utilization of Inclisiran for the Optimization of Lipid Management in People Living with HIV: A Clinical Case Series and Comprehensive Review
by Vasileios Petrakis, Maria Panopoulou, Anastasia Grapsa, Andreas G. Tsantes and Periklis Panagopoulos
Reports 2026, 9(3), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9030284 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: People with HIV (PWH) experience an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), driven by chronic immune activation, metabolic toxicities of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and traditional risk factors. Achieving target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is frequently impeded [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: People with HIV (PWH) experience an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), driven by chronic immune activation, metabolic toxicities of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and traditional risk factors. Achieving target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is frequently impeded by adherence barriers, pharmacokinetic drug interactions, or muscle-related symptoms. Inclisiran is a hepatocyte-targeted small interfering RNA that halts proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 synthesis, providing a long-acting therapeutic alternative. Case Presentation: We present two PWH with severe hypercholesterolemia and elevated cardiovascular risk on stable ART. Case 1 describes a 54-year-old male with a history of myocardial infarction presenting with persistent, refractory hypercholesterolemia on rosuvastatin and ezetimibe (baseline LDL-C 142 mg/dL). Case 2 describes a 58-year-old male with verified statin intolerance and inadequate response to ezetimibe (baseline LDL-C 194 mg/dL). Following subcutaneous inclisiran administration at Day 1 and Day 90, Case 1 achieved an 80.2% LDL-C reduction to 28 mg/dL at Month 6, and Case 2 achieved a 54.6% reduction to 88 mg/dL at Month 6 as monotherapy. Both patients tolerated therapy well, with stable CD4+ counts and sustained virological suppression. Conclusions: These cases illustrate that inclisiran can effectively lower LDL-C levels across primary and secondary prevention settings in PWH facing oral therapy limitations or statin intolerance. Provider-administered dosing every 6 months overcomes adherence challenges, supporting the inclusion of PWH in broader clinical pathways pending ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials. Full article
35 pages, 4536 KB  
Article
Electromechanical Coupling Modeling and LQG Active Vibration Control of CFRP Cantilever Plates Using MFCs
by Dongyang Song, Pengyue Na, Yulai Zhao, Dong Yang, Mohammed Meiirbekov and Haitao Luo
Modelling 2026, 7(5), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling7050177 - 25 Aug 2026
Abstract
This study addresses the inherently low damping and vibration susceptibility of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminated cantilever plates by developing a comprehensive dynamic modeling and active vibration control framework. An electromechanical coupling model incorporating macro-fiber composite (MFC) actuators and sensors is established [...] Read more.
This study addresses the inherently low damping and vibration susceptibility of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminated cantilever plates by developing a comprehensive dynamic modeling and active vibration control framework. An electromechanical coupling model incorporating macro-fiber composite (MFC) actuators and sensors is established using the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the assumed mode method, with virtual springs introduced to account for non-ideal clamped boundary conditions. A reduced-order state-space model is then derived through model reduction, and a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller is designed for optimal state estimation and feedback control. The theoretical model is systematically validated via convergence analysis, ANSYS finite element simulations, and LMS impact hammer testing. The results demonstrate that, with the relative errors of the first four natural frequencies controlled within 2%, the theoretical mode shapes are highly consistent with those obtained from ANSYS simulations. An active vibration control experimental platform is established, and the effectiveness of the control strategy is verified under dual-spectrum harmonic and impact excitations. The results show that the designed LQG controller can effectively suppress multi-modal vibrations, substantially attenuating the response amplitudes of dominant modes and significantly accelerating the transient vibration convergence. This study addresses the challenge of precisely characterizing actual non-ideal clamped boundary conditions. Through model order reduction and closed-loop LQG control experiments, it provides a comprehensive set of theoretical methodologies, numerical solution strategies, and engineering-oriented experimental schemes for the electromechanical coupling dynamic modeling and optimal vibration suppression of CFRP thin-walled composite structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Modelling, Design and Testing of Composite Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop